Abstract

Background . Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measurement is a clinically useful method for assessing pain sensitivity when applied with a standardized protocol. This study aimed to evaluate the intra-rater reliability of a standardized digital algometry protocol for PPT measurement in office workers over a six-month follow-up. Methods . A secondary analysis was conducted from a cluster randomized controlled trial with office workers, where a standardized PPT protocol was applied to the neck, forearm, and lower leg. Measurements were taken bilaterally with three repetitions per site. Intra-rater reliability was assessed using ICC (Model 3, k), along with the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC), calculated at baseline, three, and six months, for both intervention and control groups. Results . ICC values ranged from 0.86 to 0.95, indicating good to excellent reliability across all time points and body regions. SEM ranged from 0.20 to 0.49, and MDC from 0.46 to 1.12. These values remained consistent across follow-up periods in both groups, despite expected variability due to the intervention. Conclusions . The PPT protocol demonstrated high intra-rater reliability and stable measurement properties over time, supporting its use in longitudinal assessments of pain sensitivity in occupational and clinical settings.